What holds you together?

By Margaret Gibb -

She was a stunning beauty, a diva. A Miss America and Miss USA rolled into one. Her story was a rags to riches one – from an orphan to a queen, from having nothing to having everything. As the first lady in Persia, Esther was a fashion statement. Servants tended to her every need and whim. Everything at her disposal was the best of the best. Esther fit the role. She had presence. She had power.

Married to the King of the land was not out of love but duty. Among the state dinners and good-will activities that she, as Queen, would engage in, it was the corrupt political system that would stare her in the face. When it all unfolded like a most horrible nightmare ever, she had to become a confrontationist, take risky faith steps and put her life on the line. She would draw a line in the sand, and stand up for her people. She would not waver, nor put a false spin on an evil plan. Her bottom line was: “If I perish, I perish!” Seeing her people saved and the evil dealt with was more important than her national status and royal profile.

What held Esther together?

Her voice was weak with emotion; the tears flowed like an uncontrollable stream. My friend was just two weeks into an unplanned, unwanted, unexpected turn in her life. The sudden death her husband of 30 years left her shell-shocked, stupefied. They married young, had kids, faithfully served God, and started their own small business. Nothing came to them on a silver platter. They worked hard for every penny they earned. Their home was modest. No possible contestant for “Better Homes and Gardens.” They lived life simply. “I don’t know how I can survive financially”, she said to me. “We built this business together but he was the main player. I have no choice, “but work through my grief, find myself and survive.” After a thoughtful pause, she added, “No, not survive…I will live again!”

What is holding my fragile friend together?

An anchor! A spiritual anchor that is cemented to an indestructible foundation built on God’s calling, purpose and plan. When you made a commitment to serve Jesus and said ‘Yes’ to Him, you also said “yes” to His promises and Lordship. You are in a covenant relationship with a Mighty and Loving God who does have a plan and purpose – a unique calling – for you! He has the power and the means to carry out that plan.

If like Esther, you are put in a position that is neither safe nor popular but political, know that by doing right and obeying the inner prompts of the Spirit, God is leading you to fulfill your purpose and His plan. Hold on to your anchor. Obey the Spirit. Take action.

If like my friend, you are grieving because you are facing life and afraid of your unknown future, know that even in this unwanted change, God is leading you to fulfill your purpose and His plan. Hold on to your anchor. Embrace the Holy Spirit. He will heal you. He will lead you.

“For I know the plans, I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Margaret Gibb is the Founder & Director of Women Together (www.women-together.org). Her blogs are posted every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month on the Maranatha News website.